The state of Alabama has a long tradition of deciding the Super Bowl.

Over 50 players from Alabama colleges have won championships in the first 52 Super Bowls.

The number will increase on Feb. 3 when the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams square off in Super Bowl LIII at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 5:40 p.m. on CBS.

Seven players are competing in this year’s Super Bowl. Linebacker Mark Barron (Alabama), safety Blake Countess (Auburn) and tight end Gerald Everett (South Alabama) play for the Rams. Linebacker Don’ta Hightower (Alabama), cornerback Jonathan Jones (Auburn) and linebacker Brandon King (Auburn), and cornerback Darious Williams (UAB) are on the Patriots’ roster.

Alabama once held the record for most Super Bowl victories by a starting quarterback, at four. Bart Starr won the first two Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968 for the Green Bay Packers, followed by Joe Namath with the New York Jets a year later. Ken Stabler led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl crown in 1976. All three are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The record now is shared by Notre Dame and Michigan. The tie can be broken by Tom Brady, who played collegiately at Michigan, if the Patriots prevail. Alabama is now tied for second with Stanford, Louisiana Tech and Purdue.

Fifty years ago, Namath’s famous guarantee of a New York win made national headlines.  Behind “Broadway” Joe, the Jets beat the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts 16-7. Namath told AARP.org on Jan. 2 that Super Bowl III has remained popular over the years because no gave the Jets a chance.

“There are more underdogs in the world than there are favorites,” Namath said. “Our win was enjoyed by so many people because they are underdogs like we were. We’re all underdogs from time to time.”

The Patriots’ last two Super Bowl victories were clinched on game-changing plays by an Alabamian.

Hightower tackled Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch at the one-yard-line in Super Bowl XLIX. Former West Alabama cornerback Malcolm Butler’s interception with 26 seconds left sealed the Patriots’ 28-24 win.

Two years later, Hightower’s sack and fumble of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan turned the game around and ignited a 34-28 Patriots victory in Super Bowl XLI.

Hightower goes for his third Super Bowl ring against the Rams. A knee injury kept Hightower from playing in Super Bowl XLII last year, a 41-33 Patriots loss.

“I’m looking forward to keeping this thing going,” Hightower said on Super Bowl opening night. “It’s been an awesome experience. I’m trying to chase three and we’re knocking on the door.

Wide receiver John Stallworth, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, has the most Super Bowl rings of any player in-state. Stallworth, who played at Alabama A&M, was a starter on four Super Bowl winning teams with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970’s. His legendary big catches are shown during Super Bowl week.

Offensive tackle Steve Wallace, who played at Auburn, won all three Super Bowl rings with San Francisco in 1988, 1989 and 1994. He won Super Bowls with two Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Joe Montana and Steve Young.